For a while now, I am collecting empty toilet paper rolls. I am still not sure what will I do with them, but I plan to make some kind of DIY toy for my little human to play with. The other day, he found my stash, took a few rolls, and started to run around the house with them. When he got bored I grabbed those rolls and a few balls and the result was surprisingly engaging activity.
Setting up a “Balancing balls” activity
What you need is a few empty toilet paper rolls and the same amount of smaller balls. The ball should be able to stay on top of the toilet paper roll when you put it there. I placed toilet paper rolls vertically in front of my little human and put balls in a bowl.
I showed him once how to carefully place balls onto a toilet paper roll. While I was putting the third ball on top of the toilet paper roll I knocked over the roll on purpose and said: “Ups, let’s try again”. I noticed how frustrated he can be if he doesn’t make it right immediately. And I noticed that if he sees me making a mistake, he doesn’t give up so easily after making a mistake.
I have to admit that I was pretty surprised how much my little man liked this activity. And it just can’t get any simpler! We currently have it on our shelf and he is practicing it every day.
Summary
Resources: few empty toilet paper rolls, few smaller balls
Focus: fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination
How to: just place toilet paper rolls vertically and place some balls on top of them
Alternatives: using peaches, apples or nectarines instead of balls